UGI Clinic

• The surgeon is the first clinician you will meet and may be the only clinician you see at this appointment
• The surgeon will explain the results of any tests you have had, your diagnosis and possible treatment(s) 
• They may arrange further investigations before confirming your diagnosis and/or your treatment plan
• You will either meet the clinical nurse specialist or be given her contact details

• You will see the surgeon who will explain the results of any further tests you have had and discuss the options available 
• If an operation is offered, you will be seen by one or more clinician(s) from the multidisciplinary team to assess your current health and fitness to have the operation
• You will have an ECG, complete a health questionnaire, and have your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse measured
• Each clinician explains and discusses with you the various aspects of the operation and recovery and what to expect
• They may arrange other investigations, or arrange for you to see other specialist doctors, to make sure you are well enough for the operation

View a map of North Shore Hospital

• A list of your medications
• It is helpful to bring a family member or friend
• A list of your questions

Each patient case is managed individually which includes how many appointments you will have and which clinician(s) see you at these appointments.   
You will be seen by one of more of the following MDT clinicians:

• The surgeon
  • gives you information about your condition and the possible treatment options
  • assesses your past medical history, current health and fitness to have an operation
  • may arrange other investigations, or for you to see other specialist doctors

• The anaesthetist
  • looks after you during and immediately after your operation
  • assesses your past medical history, current health and fitness to have an operation
  • provides you with pain relief options for after the operation
  • tells you which of your usual medications to take, and which of your medications you need to stop prior to your operation
    
    
• The Intensive Care Medicine Specialist
  • cares for the patients, along with the surgical team, who go to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a major operation
  • explains what to expect in the first few days after the operation
  • assesses health and fitness to have a major operation
    
    
• The Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • coordinates your care
  • ensures you have the information you need about your illness, investigations and procedures, and treatments
  • provides support, advice and help with your concerns and questions
  • links you with other services in the hospital and the community
    
    
• The Dietitian
  • will educate and guide you with your diet if your illness is affecting your nutrition
  • can guide you on what to eat while you are returning to normal eating after an operation
    
    
• The Physiotherapist
  • teaches you leg and breathing exercises to reduce the risk of post-operative complications
  • assists you with your mobility after the operation 
    
    
• The Psychologist
  • can help with adjusting to a cancer diagnosis and the impact this may have on you and your family/whanau
  • can help you cope with side effects such as pain, treatment side effects and fatigue
    
    
• The Social Worker
  • can assist you and your family/whanau to deal with personal, emotional, relationship and social problems that are health related
  • can provide supportive counselling and referral to services in the community
    
    
• The Research Nurse
  • can assist you in understanding the information available for participation in clinical trials and protocols